We exist to foster the independence of people who are blind and visually impaired, thereby helping them to realize their full potential as individuals.
That is the mission of the Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss and to fulfill that mission the center is coming to Grand Marais to offer a two-part series called Living Well with Vision Loss.
According to Mary Junnila, Executive Director of the Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss, vision loss is predicted to be an exploding need. “Some predictions are that the number of people over 40 who have vision loss could double within 30 years,” said Junnila when she issued an invitation to North Shore residents to attend this series.
The free two-part series includes an introduction on Monday, August 8 from 12 – 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Marais Senior Center. Part two is Skill-Building and will be held Wednesday, September 14 from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center.
The sessions are for individuals, family members and professionals and will include explanation of common types of vision loss and the unique challenges that accompany them including macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. The sessions will offer practical strategies for making life easier, including techniques for daily living—cooking more safely, eating out, identifying money, using writing guides and more. The session will also introduce adaptive devices and offer other resources for assistance.
The sessions are free and drop-ins are welcome, but organizers would appreciate pre-registration to plan for the number of attendees. Refreshments will be provided.
Junnila encourages anyone facing vision loss or who has a friend or family member who is dealing with vision loss to attend. “There are already many, many people who live with vision loss without knowing all that could make their lives easier – whether it is learning special techniques for how to cook more safely and easily or getting an adaptive device like a talking watch or computer technology that allows people with little or no vision to fully use a computer.”
To register or for more information, call (218) 624-4828.
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